THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO NOWHERE

 

''I can't tell where the journey will end, but I know where to start.''

In my search for a ''better place'', I headed out on a journey of self discovery, adventure, resilience, to find a way out for myself. I hoped that one day that I would make it out with my huge dreams, as I make a huge impact in the lives of those that matter the most. The dream I dreamt took me places, from Yumbe, Moyo, Lira, Bundibugyo, at times Kasese and Ntoroko, I took a road that many of my age feared. Scared at the beginning of the journey? Yes! But in the end I conquered the fears of the unknown, the fear of the places unknown, to the extent that I became passionate about everything I did.

I do remember the first time I got into the region, it was chilling cold and I wondered if my dream of experiencing winter had come true. I had been warned earlier on to expect such a cold Fort environment but I was still in awe of the weather that I had to buy an extra jumper, pair of socks and gloves! Next came the sharp corners to Bundibugyo. I was mesmerized by their beauty. I had never before seen such natural beauty, I was so accustomed to the other flat, dusty areas of Uganda. This was a contrast to the green mountainous environment with clean fresh air. I replayed scenes in my head of what would happen in case we missed one turn...but the confidence of the driver was superb.

The first field experience was quite adventurous. As we drove into the district itself, at a distance, I was shown one of the schools that I was to support, and guess what, it was almost on top of the mountain. Truth be told it was my first time to physically see a real mountain with my own eyes. All the knowledge I had about Mountain Rwenzori was theoretical. And here I was being introduced to the first school I would support. I confidently told my Manager that I would go there. (I was reflecting on my simple aerobics and sports skills that I had acquired some time back...hahaha)

Then the real first mission came, I now had to stop envisioning the hike and do the real work. The vehicle left me and my colleague at the foot of the Mountain, actually at the sign post of the school, we had to hike our way up there. All we could see was a footpath just ahead of us, in between the very steep slopes and the deep valleys. We were just surrounded by fauna. It had rained the night before, and as such, there were no locals a long the route. We were on a road to nowhere. At the top of the mountain, the strong howling wind blowing the hugest of the tree branches reminded me of the few horror movies I had ever watched and scared me to pieces. But nevertheless, we made it to the school after like two hours, given the resting spells in between.

Nothing makes a journey like that worthwhile when you find the community already waiting for your arrival, the children waiting, the teachers. And knowing how tiring the journey could be, they have prepared some water to wash the face and refresh. And yes, there's a whole community up there, children and teachers bearing so much hope. This has happened in all schools I have been to, and reaching the hardest to reach schools to support teachers improve their competences in order to better support children's learning became more of a passion than a job.

Along the way, I have lived the lifestyles of those I met, learnt cultures, and ways of life, but above it all, I have been blessed to meet a number of allies that have seen ''something in me'' and made it a point to mentor me. And as I come to the end of this Western Region journey, I cannot help but fondly reflect  upon those that have groomed me into what I am today. I am proud of the big contributions that I have made towards birth of the Edtech and CuC project. I am proud of the changes I see in the schools during the school monitoring visits, and being a teacher by profession, the feel of observing motivated teachers whose efforts can be visibly seen in children's work is inspiring.

In all your different capacities, PDQ, Managers, Coordinators, Project team(s), Support Functions, Teachers, District Teams, and friends, I wish to say THANK YOU! My Line Manager, Bwana Libbu, your impact on me has been, and is still great. Your unwavering spirit to keep pushing for things and your zeal for work has strongly rubbed off me. For the many times you have positioned me to represent you in both capacities of Team Leader and Manager, for the many times you have challenged me to come up with great ideas (that have always worked), for the many times you have heartfully said ''Thank you Josephine'', and for the many times you have given constructive feedback to me, I do appreciate. 

The ETA team, you are a team worth being thanked. You are a mini family to me, and that we have learnt so much from each other, laughed together, thought through ''stuff'' together, it is an emotional departure for me. To my Bundi teachers, a piece of me is remaining behind, you have inspired me with your positive attitude towards professional development. But between you and me, we both need this growth. I am leaving wiser and older because the region has groomed and mentored its own. And I am convinced beyond doubt that taking ''The Road that leads to Nowhere'' has been the greatest decision I have ever made! 

Let's stay in touch as I continue to learn from you!

Tip; Making Field work enjoyable makes everything worth it! The field pics below depict that!